GUWAHATI, Dec 25 - The first Pandit Tirthanath Sarma-Nirmala Devi memorial award was today conferred on noted literary critic and scholar Dr Ananda Bormudoi by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi at a function held at the Rabindra Bhavan here.
The programme was organised by the Pandit Tirthanath Sarma Nirmala Devi Memorial Trust in association with the Asam Sahitya Sabha. The award carries a citation, memento, cheleng chador and a draft of Rs 50,000.
Speaking as the chief guest, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said that the State was proud to have a son like Pandit Tirthanath Sarma, who had enriched the social, literary and cultural spheres of Assam with matchless contributions.
�As we pay our obeisance, it is our duty to promote his philosophy among the younger generations,� he added.
While inaugurating the function, eminent litterateur Dr Nagen Saikia said that as a torch bearer of not just the literary world, but the academic and social spheres as well, Pandit Sarma would always remain immortal through his deeds. �The Assamese language and literature got a new dimension from his writings and along with words from Sanskrit, he used words from local dialects very lucidly,� he added.
In his acceptance speech, Dr Ananda Bormudoi said that apart from encouraging him, the award will also boost his confidence and make him feel more accountable. Dr Bormudoi has to his credit many critical writings on Assamese poetry, history and literature.
Throwing light on Pandit Sarma�s stories, he said that though only six in number, his stories were way ahead of his times. �Apon Por� � a perfect story from every aspect, portrays a woman as a strong central character, which was something unusual for his times. Even his speeches as the Sahitya Sabha president were examples of his unique thought process. Playing a key role in establishment of institutions like the Pragjyotish College and Gauhati Commerce College, he was a strong advocate of continuous learning process,� he added.
Delivering the first Nirmala Devi memorial lecture on contributions of Pandit Sarma, educationist Dr Malini Goswami outlined the contribution of Pandit Tirthanath Sarma towards the society.
Emphasizing on the emotional aspects of his scholarly writings, she said that Pandit Sarma was connected to the common people and he put great efforts in presenting the scholarly or more technical aspects of literature in a lucid and intelligible way.
Earlier, Dr Mukundakam Sarma, former judge of the Gauhati High Court and son of Pandit Tirthanath Sarma delivered the welcome speech.
